Free wine festival, car show and more fun things to do in Sarasota area this weekend

It's springtime in Sarasota-Manatee, and our list of March events includes five big ones this weekend. Among them is Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, who was interviewed by my colleague Jimmy Geurts for this week's Ticket cover story, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

You'll also find information on several free events: the inaugural Sarasota Wine Festival, the 34th annual Venice Antique Automobile Club of America Car Show, and the Ski-A-Rees at Sarasota's City Island. Plus, we have details on the Sarasota County Fair, which continues through Sunday.

In addition to the five items highlighted below, be sure to consider visiting Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill on Longboat Key, and Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill, all of which received national attention during the past week. Columbia was honored for its Cuban sandwich, Dry Dock for its seafood, and Fresh Catch for its Key lime pie.

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1. Kristin Chenoweth at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

A gifted actress and singer who exudes major charm and star power, Kristin Chenoweth boasts a long list of accomplishments, including originating the role of Glinda in the smash Broadway musical "Wicked." She has also appeared on hit television shows such as the classic "The West Wing" and played a memorably hilarious role in the holiday favorite, "Four Christmases," which is shown in my home at least once every year. Chenoweth is performing at the Van Wezel as part of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Transformation Gala. 8:30 p.m. Friday; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $75-$145 (concert only); 941-239-6799; vanwezel.org

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2. Sarasota Wine Festival

The inaugural Sarasota Wine Festival held in the heart of downtown Sarasota will feature free admission for access to live music, food trucks and more. For those who want what's being billed as an "immersive wine experience" including tastings from vineyards from around the world, there are general admission ($100) and VIP ($250) tickets. 4-10 p.m. Saturday; Selby Five Points Park, One Central Ave., Sarasota; eventbrite.com

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3. Venice AACA Car Show

The 34th annual Venice Antique Automobile Club of America Car Show returns to Centennial Park in downtown Venice with an expected turnout of more than 250 antique or classic vehicles. The free show features all types of vehicles including stock, modified, hot rods, customs, rat rods, and motorcycles. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice; free admission for spectators; veniceaaca.com

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4. Ski-A-Rees at Sarasota's City Island

The popular Sarasota water skiing team formed in the 1950s continues its winter/spring season with performances featuring free bleacher seating (donations encouraged) at 2 p.m. Sundays on City Island behind Mote Marine. While the Ski-A-Rees do offers snacks via a delightfully old-school concession stand, those looking for nearby dining should stop by Old Salty Dog or New Pass Grill, two of my favorite waterfront restaurants in Sarasota. For more information, visit Facebook.com/Ski.A.Rees.

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5. Sarasota County Fair continues through Sunday

The Sarasota County Fair celebrates its 100th anniversary with a winning mix of thrill rides, deliciously decadent foods, livestock, and live entertainment ranging from rock bands to racing pigs. Need a break? There's also a Budweiser beer garden, located by Gate 3 and the Robarts Arena Expo Hall. Today through Sunday; Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $10 advance, $12 day of adults, $5 advance, $6 day of ages 6-12, $6 seniors ages 55 and up/military, free ages 5 and under, with admission specials; 941-365-0818; sarasotafair.com

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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Free festivals and more fun things to do in Sarasota area this weekend